Page 54 of Damned and Broken Gods (Labyrinth of Gods #2)

The Voices Rise

ARAZ

I can’t move.

My vision is blurry, and it takes a moment to realize that I’m trapped behind thick, distorted glass. I look down at the golden shackles on my wrists pinning me against something hard and cold. More shackles hold my ankles and legs. Another at my torso.

What the fuck is happening?

The last thing I recall is being summoned to a courtyard by Umbra. Then…nothing.

Leela! Leela needs me.

Are you sure it’s you she needs? The voice is a masculine drawl that has goosebumps prickling my skin. I know that voice. I’ve heard it before.

“Who said that?”

He forgets too easily.

That’s how it’s meant to be. This second voice is a soul deep vibration.

I’ve heard it too, and…are they in my head?

Hardly useful, the first voice says.

My pulse beats harder, panic squeezing my chest, because yes, they are in my head, Inside my fucking mind.

Be silent. You’re confusing him, the second voice says.

Me? I’m confusing him? Are you sure he’s the one?

“Who are you? What’s happening?”

The second voice, the one of authority, speaks. Araz, do not be alarmed. We mean you no harm.

The revenant attack at sea. The poison. It must have allowed something…somethings to enter me somehow. I’m possessed. I need to fight this. Fight them.

Soft laughter fills my mind. Possessed? Oh, Araz, you have no idea, the first voice drawls.

Be silent! the second orders. Araz, listen to me. You’re in the labyrinth. In the trial. Leela has begun, and you must go to her. Help her.

Leela. Yes. I need to focus on Leela. This, whatever it is, can wait. “How do I go to her? I’m trapped. I can’t fucking move.”

Your body is trapped, but your mind is free. You can reach her with your thoughts. Through your connection to her.

“We can’t mindspeak.”

You can while in here. Focus on her image. Her smile. Her laughter… His voice softens to an ache… The way her touch feels on your skin.

And you might want to hurry up about it, the first voice says.

The trial has begun.

I have no idea who these voices are or what they want with me, but right now, the only thing that matters is Leela, so I close my eyes and reach for our connection.

Reaching for her.

Leela…